Musculus tibialis caudalis
The tibialis caudalis is a deep caudal leg muscle. It originates from the caudal surface of the tibia and fibula and inserts via the deep digital flexor tendon on the coffin bone (distal phalanx). Its actions are to flex the digits and to act as an auxiliary extensor of the hock. It is innervated by the tibial nerve (roughly L5-S2). It is part of the deep flexor group of the hindlimb.
Origin: Caudal surface of the tibia and fibula
Insertion: Via the deep digital flexor tendon to the coffin bone (distal phalanx)
Action: Flexes the digits; acts as an auxiliary extensor of the hock
Innervation: Tibial nerve (L5-S2)
Isolated injury is uncommon. Relevant in evaluations of deep flexor function and hock stability.
## Overview Tension or pain in deep structures such as the tibialis caudalis can contribute to hock stiffness and guarding, particularly in horses with distal tarsal osteoarthritis (bone spavin). It
Not a structure of primary practical concern for owners under normal circumstances.
## Overview Tension or pain in deep structures such as the tibialis caudalis can contribute to hock stiffness and guarding, particularly in horses with distal tarsal osteoarthritis (bone spavin). It is usually a secondary finding rather than a primary diagnosis. ## Causes Protective muscle tension secondary to joint pain or primary soft-tissue strain. ## Diagnosis Clinical assessment of hock mobility and response to treatment of the underlying joint disease. ## Treatment Address the primary hock pathology (injections, shoeing, workload adjustment) and use physiotherapy to reduce secondary muscle tension. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good when the underlying joint disease is managed. ## Prevention Early treatment of hock discomfort and maintenance of hind-limb strength. Signs include: hock stiffness; shortened hind-limb stride; reluctance to flex the hock; accompanies signs of hock arthritis
Isolated injury is uncommon. Relevant in evaluations of deep flexor function and hock stability.
Not a structure of primary practical concern for owners under normal circumstances.
See the Tibialis Caudalis on our interactive 3D horse model. Open 3D Model